The NZRU has announced that former All Blacks coach Graham Henry will remain on their books as a ‘coach’ to their Super Rugby and provincial coaches.

Henry stepped down as All Blacks coach following their World Cup win in October last year, and has since been succeeded by Steve Hansen. The New Zealand Rugby Union has now moved to retain his services by contracting him until the end of 2013. Henry will work with the NZRU to develop New Zealand’s Super Rugby and provincial coaches.

‘We are delighted to have Sir Graham involved in helping to develop our top coaches and to help them grow to the next level,’ NZRU chief executive Steve Tew said.

‘He obviously brings a huge wealth of experience – and unparalleled success – after eight years as coach of the All Blacks and his insights will be invaluable for our high performance coaches.’

Henry said that he is looking forward to working in the new position. While he won’t be at the coalface of international rugby any longer, he will continue to exercise his considerable skills and strengths.

‘Even going back to my time as a teacher and headmaster, I have been keen to help people grow and develop their skills and to now move into a position of mentoring our leading coaches is something I’m really looking forward to.

‘New Zealand has an outstanding crop of up-and-coming international coaches and if I can play a small part in helping them develop then I will.’